How to Identify Rohypnol by Sight and Alternative Names

When dealing with a drug such as Rohypnol it is very important to know as much about it as possible, including what it looks like and its alternative names. Rohypnol is a menacing drug because many people are not even aware that they have taken it until the effects are felt. Rohypnol is known as a “date rape” drug because predators can give people the drug without their knowledge and the victims often have no awareness or memory of what transpires when they are under the influence of the drug.

What Does Rohypnol Look Like?

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), Rohypnol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, which is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. The drug is neither manufactured nor approved for sale within the United States. Unfortunately, Rohypnol has been illegally available in this country for many years and is often used to counteract the side effects of stimulants such as cocaine. Rohypnol is also used to make people unaware of their surroundings, thus making them defenseless against sexual assault.

Initially Rohypnol was manufactured as a small, white caplet that clearly dissolved in liquid. However in 1997 the manufacturer responded to concerns about the drug’s role in sexual assaults and reformulated a smaller dose encased in dull green caplets with a blue core. When dissolved in a clear liquid, this blue core will tint the liquid; however, the dye can be disguised in dark-colored liquids.

If you are aware of being given a drug with any of these names, you need to understand that the U. S. Sentencing Commission increased the penalties associated with the possession, trafficking, and distribution of Rohypnol to those of a Schedule I substance.

Rohypnol Side Effects

Womenshealth.gov, a website sponsored by the Office on Women’s Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, describes many aspects of Rohypnol and indicates that the effects of Rohypnol can be felt within 30 minutes and can last for several hours. If you are drugged, you might look and act like someone who is drunk. You might have trouble standing. Your speech might be slurred. Or you might pass out. Rohypnol can cause additional problems, including the following:

Muscle relaxation or loss of muscle control

Difficulty with motor movements

Nausea

Memory loss and black out

Confusion

Problems seeing

Dizziness

Sleepiness

Lower blood pressure

Stomach problems

Death

The site also advises that it is often difficult to tell whether you have been drugged or not primarily because most people do not remember being drugged or anything afterwards for an extended period of time. Because Rohypnol leaves the body very quickly, it is often very difficult to prove that you were given the drug.

How to Protect Yourself from Rohypnol

Unfortunately, people who want to avoid being victimized by Rohypnol must be vigilant in various social situations. WomensHealth.gov suggests tips including the following:

Do not accept drinks from other people

Open containers yourself

Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom

Do not share drinks

Do not drink from open containers such as punch bowls

If someone offers to get you a drink from a bar or at a party, go with the person to order your drink

Watch the drink being poured and carry it yourself

Do not drink anything that tastes or smells strange

Socialize with a nondrinking friend to make sure nothing happens

If you realize you left your drink unattended, pour it out

If you feel drunk and have not had any alcohol or if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual, get help right away

While these precautions can certainly minimize the risk of being given Rohypnol without your knowledge, seek medical help if you wake up feeling disoriented, have no memory of a period of time, your clothes are torn, or you feel that you may have had sex.

Is Rohypnol Addictive?

After Silence is a website hosted by survivors of rape and sexual abuse. In their article on Rohypnol, they indicate that the substance can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include headache, muscle pain, confusion, hallucinations and convulsions. Seizures may occur up to a week after cessation of use.

If you are abusing Rohypnol you are at risk of becoming addicted, even if you’ve only been taking the drug a short time.

Get Help for Abuse from Rohypnol

If you were given Rohypnol without your knowledge and you were subjected to sexual assault, you need help in working through this abuse. While you may have taken care of your immediate physical health needs, you also need to work through the emotional and mental harm that this experience created. We want to help. Please call our toll-free helpline today. Our admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about counseling resources.

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